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Based on the information provided in EPA's Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study andreviewed by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, Sectionof Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology, it is concluded that the site poses no publichealth hazard based on current site conditions. Prior to the 1987 remediation, the site may haveposed a health hazard but because of inadequate sampling data for that time period, we areunable to determine past exposure levels.

Arsenic was detected at elevated levels (levels that exceed ATSDR's comparison values) in someof the on-site monitoring wells and in some of the surrounding residential wells. The presence ofarsenic in the groundwater is believed to be unrelated to site contamination but ratherrepresentative of natural background conditions. Nonetheless, it is considered a completedexposure pathway. The estimated exposure, using the maximum level detected in a residentialwell, was found to be near the EPA chronic oral RfD for both children and adults. The chronicdose for children drinking water from arsenic contaminated residential wells, compared to levelsused in human studies on noncancerous effects, was found to be above the level where "noadverse health effects" can be expected. Therefore, adverse health effects from long-termexposure may result and chronic exposure to arsenic in the drinking water is a public healthconcern. With respect to cancer, it was determined that there is a slight increase in the possibilityof developing cancer over a lifetime from ingestion of arsenic at levels detected in the residentialwells.

The most prevalent contaminant remaining on site is barium. Barium, a common component of drilling muds, was detected at elevated levels in the surface soils where the process area and storage tanks were once located. It was also detected in the surface water and sediments of the on-site drainage ditches. Based on the assumptions used in the exposure scenarios for this public health assessment, it was determined that exposure to the levels of barium remaining on site does not exceed the EPA chronic oral RfD. Therefore, adverse health effects are unlikely.

Completed exposure pathways existed prior to remediation from exposure through ingestion ofand dermal contact with surface soils, sediments, and surface water. Past exposure may haveoccurred to former site workers, trespassers on-site and children who may have played in thecanals and ditches near the site.

The main concerns expressed by the local community were related to environmentalcontamination present at the site and possible health effects which might result from exposure tothese contaminants. Analysis of the health outcome data for cancer incidence in VermillionParish was based on eight years of data available at that time. As more data becomes availableespecially at the block group level, it should be reevaluated to address more specifically the health of the exposed community.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations were made by OPH in earlier versions of the PHA. Bothrecommendations have been implemented at this time and are documented here forcompleteness.

Deed restrictions on the D. L. Mud property have been instituted, restricting its future use for residential or agricultural purposes as described in the EPA's Final Close Out Report.

Long-term groundwater monitoring is being performed on a quarterly basis to ensure that the groundwater from beneath the site is not further impacted by contaminants asdescribed in the EPA's Final Close Out Report.

Private Wells should continually be monitored for arsenic, as levels indicated could be a public health concern.

Public Health Action

The following describes the actions taken by ATSDR and/or LOPH/SEET at the D. L. Mud site and the surrounding community. The purpose is to ensure that this public health assessment has not only identified public health hazards, but provided a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. The public health actions which have been implemented by ATSDR/SEET are as follows:

Actions Taken

In May of 1992, the Louisiana Office of Public Health (LOPH), in cooperation with the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service conducted a Water Well Education Program for the residents of Vermilion Parish.

As a follow-up to the Water Well Education Program, LOPH conducted residential water well sampling from February through May 1993 around the D.L. Mud/Gulf Coast Vacuum Superfund sites and the Pab Oil Superfund site (three miles north of Abbeville). Each resident was sent a copy of the results once they were finalized. Residents whose wells had elevated levels of arsenic were encouraged to limit its use for drinking and cooking.

In May 1993, a public meeting was held in Abbeville to explain the private wellsampling results and the public health assessment process.

This D L Mud, Inc. Public Health Assessment was prepared by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was begun.

Tammie McRae, MS Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health assessment and concurs with the findings.